Sourced from Yunnan slate
Michael Zhan discovered the quarry during a sourcing trip through the mountains southeast of Kunming. Local artisans have carved slate for generations, but few pieces leave the region. He spent three days with a fourth-generation carver, choosing blocks with the right density and minimal veining — flaws that could cause cracking over years of heat and moisture. This 30×30 cm slab was cut from one such block, shaped by hand, then polished slowly over six days to achieve a soft, light-absorbing finish. The recessed well was designed for a standard drainage tube; its depth prevents splashing even during long sessions. Michael’s insistence on natural edges, rather than machine-cut perfection, gives each tray a slight irregularity — a nod to the stone’s original form.